The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) has instituted a wind integration rate of $1.29/kWH per month -- a reduction from the initially proposed rate of $2.72/kWH per month. This is due primarily to actions taken by wind generators to reduce their use of BPA generation for reliability when wind power ramps up or down unexpectedly.

"There's been an explosion of wind power on the BPA system, especially since 2005," says BPA Administrator Steve Wright. "We're proud of this accomplishment, but it has led to operational challenges, including risks to reliability and substantial costs. ...

In addition, rates for customers that buy power and transmission will increase by an average of 6%. Transmission rates will stay the same. Power rates will increase by an average of 7%.